Prevent discrimination and value diversity

Introduction

Every business wants the best person for the job. Unequal treatment, prejudice or harassment discredits you as a business and can be very costly. As an owner or manager you may be held responsible for any discriminatory action by your employees.

It is unlawful to discriminate on the grounds of someone's sex, sexual orientation, status as a married person, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, beliefs or because of a disability, pregnancy or childbirth, or subsequent maternity leave or because they are a member or non-member of a trade union. It is also unlawful to discriminate against part-time workers.

As of 5 December 2005, laws will be extended to include people with certain illnesses effectively from the point of diagnosis. The restriction that mental illnesses must be "clinically well recognised" will also be removed from this date.

The law in Northern Ireland is more wide-ranging on matters of discrimination.

This guide tells you what you must know about the law on discrimination and advises on best practice.

• On 22 November 2005, regulations will be changing in this area. For more information, see our regulation update on Preventing unlawful racial discrimination.

• On 5 December 2005, regulations will be changing in this area. For more information, see our regulation update on Equal employment rights for civil partners.

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• Discrimination in recruitment and induction
• Sex discrimination
• Age discrimination
• Discrimination against disabled people
• Discrimination on the grounds of race
• Discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief
• Discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation
• Discrimination over membership or non-membership of unions
• Discrimination in day-to-day working practices